Organising filming: the role of producer

The Role of Producer

A producer is the key person for any filming project and frequently the first person to get involved. They have the key administrative responsibility for every aspect of organisation from script to finished product. They have to be self motivating and good with good people skills The starting point would normally be an idea or a script. The producer is then responsible for locating the finances, the Screenwriter, the Director, the cast and the production team. They need to foster an environment whereby the talents of all those involved from cast to crew can give of their best. They need to be especially positive and encouraging when problems arise while they work frantically to sort everything out.

Responsibilities of a Producer

Producers need to clear any copyright issues of script and music. They will bring the screenwriter, director and actors together. They will set about organising the costumes and locations. For amateur productions finance will be critical. If the production is for a charity there may be sponsors of that charity willing to supply backing. It is important that all costings are thoroughly done.
Once the production team is in place the timetable needs to be clarified and tied up with the availability of all concerned and access to the film locations. Once production is underway then the producer is responsible for the day to day operations of the team.
There will be close cooperation between the producer and director and other key personnel. All changes involving organisation and cost need to be approved by the producer.
One of the biggest problems with amateur productions is that each member of the team has their own ideas as to

how everything should be done. It is important to remember who has which responsibility, the producer for organisational matters and the director for the artistic interpretation of the script and its capture onto film.

The Skills needed by a Producer

Producers must be excellent organisers, have good people skills, good motivators and be able to negotiate with a wide variety of people. They need to be able to resolve disputes with diplomacy and have the ability to keep enthusiasm when all about are depressed at setbacks.

Producer's task list

• Recruiting a crew
  
  
• Casting
  
  
• Continuity
  
  
• Location (suitability / permission)
  
  
• Costumes
  
  
• Props
  
  
• Scheduling
  
  
• Equipment
  
  
• Transport
  
  
• Refreshments Etc

 
 Jon Woolmer